Brake



Nov. 9, 1937.

L. E. LA BRIE BRAKE Original Filed Oct. 15, 1932 6 Sheets-Sheet l III- INVENTR.

Ludger f. La r/e BY 7.

` ATTORNEY qt Nov. 9, 1937.

L. E. LA BRIE BRAKE Original Filed Oct. 15, 1952 6 Shee'cs-SheeiI 2 INVENToR. [uagr f. lar/'e BY WML. ATTORNEY.4

original Filed ooi. 15, 1952 e sheets-sheet :s

INVENToR.

BY a/ML 9. -6 ATTORNEY.' y

L. E. LA BRIE Nov. 9, 1937.

BRAKE Original Filed Oct. l5, 1932 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 mirrip &

bouts@ Q INVENTOR. adyer E ar/e BY MM 7e.

ATTORNEY 7( L. E. LA BRIE Nov; 9, 1937.

BRAKE Original Filed Oct. 15, 1932 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENToR. ludyer f are BY d Amn'yg( Nov. 9, 1937.

.L. E. LA BRIE BRAKE 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Original Filed Oct. 15, 1932 INVENTOR. ua/9er E ar/e ATTORNEY Patented Nov. 9, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE BRAKE Application October 15, 1.932, SerialV No. 638,017 Renewed February 17, 1937 12 Claims.

it is possible without sacrificing the desirable features of the invention. Thirdly, it seems desirable to insure that normal operation of the device will continue for at least one brake application even should the source of vacuum power fail.

One of the objects of this invention is the provision of a simple and reliable unit for the operation of hydraulic brakes in which the brakes are applied through power and additional controlled pressure is supplied manually.

One of the features of the invention is the provision in a brake system of the type hereinbei'ore mentioned of a pair of parallel cylinders in each of which there is provided a piston.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of a vacuum operated piston in one of the cylinders, adapted in its operation to cut oil. the connection between the reservoir and the other cylinder.

Further objects and features of the invention will be apparent after a reading of the subjoined specification and claims and after a consideration of the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a view in vertical section of a preferred embodiment of my invention;

Figure 2 is a view in plan of the unit shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a view of the same unit in end elevation looking from the pedal end of the unit;

Figure 4 is a view in section of a by-pass boss formed upon the unit;

Figure 5 is a view in vertical section of another form of brake applying unit;

Figure 6 is a view in vertical section of another form of unit;

Figure 7 is a view in section of still another form;

Figure 8 is a view in inverted horizont-al section taken through the valve of Figure 1 and designed to show the inlet and two outlets more clearly, being taken on the line 8-8 looking in the di. rection indicated by the arrows; and

Figure 9 is a view in perspective showing the by-pass for the cylinders of Figure 1.

Referring particularly to,Figures 1-4 inclusive,

I have shown a unit for the operation of hydraulic brakes comprising generally a primary 5 master cylinder I0, a cylinder I2 in which pressure is normally created by a vacuum operated motor, a reservoir I4, and a vacuum operating cylinder I6 controlled by a valve I1. The cylinder proper I0 is provided with a piston I8 adapted 10 to force liquid through an opening 20 formed at the forward end thereof into a chamber 2I; thence through an opening 22 formed in a plug 24; and thence to fluidv motors positioned at the brakes for operating the brakes. The piston I8 15 is provided with annular sealing cups 26 and 28, against the latter of which there bears the spring 30 for securely maintaining it in sealing relationship.

'Ihe cylinder I2 is provided with a piston 32 20 which is adapted to force liquid through openings 34, past a valve 36, into the chamber-2l from which the liquid may pass through the opening 22 to the brakes. The piston 32 is provided with annular sealing cups 40 and 42, the latter being 25 acted upon by a compression spring 44 which also acts upon an annular cup 46 at the forward end of the cylinder.

'I'he valve 36 comprises a stem member 48, a rubber packing 50, a spring 52 bearing upon the 30 stem member and a spider 54 which bears upon a shoulder formed by thefplug 34 and which supports the spring 52.

Normally liquid may also flow between the cylinders I0 and I2 by means of a by-pass provided 35 in a cylindrical projection 56 which is formed on the unit (best shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4) and which is connected through the port or bore 58 with the cylinder I 0 and through the port or bore 60 with the cylinder l2. The ports 58 and 4o 60 are connected by a bore 6I and plugs 62, 64, and 68 are provided for closing the exterior openings of the bores.

Liquid is supplied from the reservoir I4 to the cylinder I2 and through it to the cylinder I0 by 45 a port 10 and by an opening 12, the latter being normally closed by a valve 14. The valve 14 ls formed by a, plug 1.6 formed with ports 18 and provided with a rubber sealing member 80, a guide 82 therefor, and a spring 84 bearing upon 50 said guide and through it, urging said rubber to its seat thus closing the ports 18. The reservoir is provided with a lling opening 86 normally` closed by a, vented plug 88.

Means are provided for operating the piston 32 55 ,.04 is a vacuum piston 00.

by vacuum power. The vacuum operating cylinder |0 is formed by a can 00 secured to one end of the casting which forms the cylinders I0 and I2 and the reservoirl4. To one end of the can there is connected (see Figure 2) a suction pipe 02 andto the other end there is connected a suction pipe 04. Positioned within the can intermediate the connections to the pipes 02 and A light. spring 00 bears on the piston 00 serving normally to urge the piston. toward thel left. A piston rod 00 connects the piston 00 with the piston 32. The rod 00 passes through an opening |00 which is formed in the end of the cylinder i2 and which has a shape and size corresponding to the cross-section of the rod 00. The rod also passes through thev annular cup and a similar annular cup |02 which also correspond to the size of the rod 00. 'Ihe cup |02 is held in position by a disk |04, the latter being retained by a spring ring |00. An

air chamber |00 is formed intermediate the cups piston 32 manually. A short shaft ||2 mounted in a bearing ||4 (see Figure 3) carries levers ||0 and 0. The latter is preferably connect- `edbythe link lltothefoOt pedal I2| (Figure 6) although, if desired. it may be connected to any othbr operating mechanism. A piston rod |20 is pivotally connected tothe lever ||0, the rod extending into alecess |22 formed in the piston I0. The rod |20 normally does not contact with the piston, a lost motion connection being provided so that the operation of the vacuum power may be accomplished before the manual operation begins. The lever ||0 alsohas a piston rod |24 `pivotally secured thereto, the rod extending into a recess |20 formed in the piston 32. 'Ihe rod |24 does not normally contact with the piston 32 but the space between the piston rod |24 andthe piston 32 is shorter than the corresponding space between the piston rod |20 and the piston |0 so that the lost motion provided for the piston rod |24 is less than that provided for the piston rod |20.

A valve is provided for controlling the supply of air to and the withdrawal of air from the cylinder I0. The valve comprises a casing |20 formed with main chambers |30 and |3|, the former being connected through fittings |34 with conduit 04 and the latter being connected through fitting |32 with conduit 04. 'I'he chamber |3| is connected through a fitting |30 with the intake manifold of the engine of the automobile so that whenever the engine is operating there is a tendency for air to be withdrawn from the chambers |30 and |3| to the manifold. Interposed between the chamber |3| and the fitting |30 is a valve |30 provided with cork face |40.

The chambers |30 and |3| are at times connected with the outside atmosphere. For this purpose one of the ends of the casing |20 is open to the atmosphere and is provided with an air strainer formed of suitable straining material |42 maintained in place by vented guides |44 and |40. The guide |46 is formed with a valve seat upon which there is normally seated a cork disk valve member |40. 'I'he disk |40 is carried by a valve stem |00 which extends through the member |20 and is normally urged to the right |00 which bears upon a'guide |00 secured to the rodl |00.

A stop |00 formed on the rod |00 limits theA movement thereof.

'Ihere is also mounted upon the rod |00 another valve member |02 which is similar to the valve member |40 but-faces in the opposite direction and isadapted to seatupon a shoulder |84 formed in the member |20. The valve members |40 and |02 are slidably mounted upon the rod |00 and are urged away from each other by means of a spring |00. This movement is limited by stops formed by clips |00 and |10. The opening through which the rod |00 passes out of the member |20 is sealed by an annular sealing cup |12 maintained in position by a spring |14.

It is believed that the operation of the device disclosed will be apparent from the above description. The first movement of the pedal rotates the lever ||0 and thus relieves the pressure of the projection |04 upon the lever |02 so that the spring |00 urges the rod |00 outward and thus moves the valve |40 from its seat and moves the valve |02 resiliently to its seat. This cuts oil the connection between the manifold and the chamber |30 and opens a connection through -the chamber |30 to the outside atmosphere.

Therefore, air is allowed to flow in through the chamber |30 and the conduit 04 to the inner end of the cylinder i0. At the same time the suction created by the manifold is exerted through the chamber |3| and the conduit 02 to the outer end of the cylinder ||0. The difference in air pressures thus forces the piston 00 outward and draws with it the rod 00 and the piston 32. The first movement of the piston 32 covers the port 10 and forces liquid through the bypass 00 and through the ports 34 into the cylinder I0, it being understood that pressure of the liquid moves the valve 30 from its seat, compressl cient to accomplish a small deceleration of the l automobile. Continued movement of the pedal ing 22, the amount of liquid thus displaced and the pressure produced thereon being controlled through the movement and feel of the pedal. It is to be understood that in the normal operation of the device, the vacuum power has caused the piston 32 to run away from the piston rod |24. The first movement of the piston 0 closes the port connected to the port 50 and inasmuch as the valve 30 seals the port 34 as soon as the pressure in the cylinder is raised to that of the pressure in the cylinder |2 (normally immediately after the rst movement of the piston l0) there is no reaction on the piston 32, nor upon the vacuum piston 96.

When the ports are in their normal brake off position (as shown) liquid may move between the reservoir |4 and the cylinder I2 by means of the port 10 to compensate for changes in volume due to temperature change, etc. Also, it may flow between the cylinders I6 and I2 by means of the l by-pass 66 to compensate for temperature changes, etc. In bleeding the system, the operation of the pedal sufficient to open and close the valve I1 pumps liquid to the lines by causing the piston 32 to be reciprocated. This reciprocation draws liquid from the reservoir I4through the valve 14 into the cylinder I2 and then ,out of the cylinder I2 past the valve 36 to the cylinder III and to the hydraulic lines.

The air chambe'` |06 insures that the Yliquid in the cylinder I2 shall not be sucked into the cylinder I6.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 5 the cylinder 2III is provided with a port 256 leading directly into the cylinder 2I2 and the latter is provided with an aligned port 216. For operating the piston 232, air is adapted to be drawn from the cylinder 2I6 through an opening 293 formed in the outer end of the cylinder 2I6. Liquid is forced to the brakes through an opening 222 formed in the plug 224 and a valve 236 exactly similar to the valve 36 is provided for allowing the passage of liquid from the cylinder 2I2 to the cylinder 2III.

Operation of the pedal operates a valve which causes air to be drawn from the outer end of the cylinder 2I6 and thus pulls the piston 232 forward which forces liquid past the valve 236 and through the opening 222 to the brake. At the same time, the piston 2I6 also forces liquid through the opening 222 to the brakes. Continued movement of the piston 2 I6 after the completion of the stroke of the piston 232 applies greater pressure to the brakes, the pressure applied being controlled through the feel of the pedal.

As soon as the pressure in the cylinder 2I0 becomes equal to or greater than the pressure in the cylinder 2I2, the valve 236 closes and prevents the additional pressure from reacting on the pis-` ton 232.

In the embodiment of my invention shown in Figure 6, the piston 332 is aligned with the piston 3I6and the valve 336 is aligned with the two pistons. The inlet 316 from the reservoir 3I4 tov the cylinder 3I2 is at the inner end of the cylinder and inward of an annular rubber cup 314 which performs functions similar to those of the valve 14. f A port 310 is provided adjacent the forward end of the piston 332 in its normal brake off position. The piston 332 is operated through a rod 398 by a vacuum piston 396, air being normally withdrawn by suction from the cylinder 3I6 through openings 393 and 395. When the pedal is operated, air is allowed to enter through the opening 393. Liquid forced from the cylinder 3H) either by the piston 3I6 or by the piston 332 is forced outward to the brakes through an opening 322.

No lost motion connection is provided between the piston 3I8 and the piston rod therefor, so that pressure produced by the piston 332 reacts uponthe pedal. However, the operation is so arranged that a slight movementof the pedal operates the vacuum power and liquid is forced out through the connections to apply the shoes to the drums.

Further movement for applying greater4 pressure to the brakes is accomplished manually by the pedal and is therefore perfectly controllable. Because the piston 332 applies the shoes to the drums, either the pedal movement required or the maximum pedal pressure required may be decreased.

Means are provided for cutting oif, when desired, the connection formed' by the port 366 between the cylinder 3I6 and the reservoir 3I4. These means include a valve member 366 operating in a bore 36| and normally urged to a position to open communication by means of a spring 361. The outer end of the valve member 369 contacts with a vacuum piston 396 so that the initial inward movement of the piston 396 compresses the spring 261 and closes the port 366.

In the operation of the unit shown in Figure 6, movement of the pedal operates the vacuum controlling valve and thus allows the admission of air to the outer end of the cylinder 3I6, thus forcing the piston 332 inward, and thus forcing liquid past the valve 336 and through the opening 322 to the brakes. the pedal forces the piston 3I6 inward raising the pressure of the cylinder 3I6 above that of the cylinder 3I2 and thus closing the valve 336 and thus applies controlled pressure to the brakes.

The embodiment shown in Figure 'l is exactly the same as the embodiment shown in Figure 6 except that there is no valve interposed between the cylinder`4l6 and the reservoir 4I4. The first movement of the pedal moves the piston 4I8 past the port 456 and the vacuum piston 496 operates the piston 432 and forces liquid past the valve 436 and through the opening 442 to the brakes. After the completion of the stroke of the vacuum controlled piston 432, the continued' movement of the pedal continues the movement of the piston 4I8 and forces additional iluidunder greater pressure. The increase of pressure in cylinder 4I0 over that of the cylinder in which the piston 432 operates closes the valve 436 and prevents the increased pressure from reacting on the piston 432.

It is to be understood that the above described embodiments are for the purpose of illustration only, and various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. In a system for operating brakes in which a hydraulic iluid is utilized, means for applying said brakes responsive to increases in pressure in the hydraulic fluid, vacuum operated means for applying pressure to said uid, manually operated means for applying pressure to said fluid, a foot pedal, a lever associated With said pedal and formed with a projection, a valve, a pivoted lever normally adapted to contact with said projection and with a portion of said valve and means whereby movement of said pedal to apply said brakes releases the contact of said pivoted lever with said valve.

2. In a system for operating brakes utilizing a hydraulic fluid, means for applying said brakes responsive to increases in pressure in the hydraulic fluid; a pedal; vacuum operated means for applying pressure to said uid, said means comprising a hydraulic cylinder, a vacuum operated piston in said hydraulic cylinder, and a connection whereby movement of said pedal controls said vacuum operation; and manual means for applying pressure to said hydraulic iluid comprising a manually operated piston in said hydraulic cylinder, and a connection between said pedal and said piston whereby said pedal operates said piston; the connection by which saidpedal controls said vacuum operation including a lost motion device and the connection between the pedal and the manually operated piston having a longer lost motion device than said first mentioned connection.

Continued movement of I 3. In brake operating mechanism, a pair of conlec'ted parallel cylinders, a reservoir connected `therewith by a fluid connection, a pair of pistons control said vacuum operation and arranged during a latter portion of its movement to operate said manually operated piston, and means including `said pedal for manually creating pressure through both of said means in the event of a failure oi the vacuum.

5. In a system for operating brakes, a hydraulic iluid system, means comprising a hydraulic piston operated by vacuum and a cylinder i'or said piston tor creating pressure on said iluid, means comprising a hydraulic piston operated manually and a cylinder for saidmanually operated piston for creating pressure on said iluid, and means comprising a pedal for manually creating pressure through both of said means in the event of a failure of the vacuum, further characterized in that there is provided a connection by means of which said ilrst cylinder communicates with said second named cylinder for applying pressure to said fluid, in that there is provided means whereby initial movement of the manually operated means makes said vacuum operated means effective for taking up the slack and applying the brakes with a predetermined slight pressure, and in that there is provided a spring loaded check valve normally closing said connection against the passage of fluid from said second named cylinder to said ilrst named cylinder whereby pressure developed by said manual means does not react upon said vacuum means.

6. In a system for operating brakes, a hydraulic fluid system, means comprising a hydraulic piston operated by vacuum and cylinder for the,vac uum operated piston for creating pressure on said iluid, means including a hydraulic piston operated manually and a cylinder for the manually operated piston for creating pressure on said iluid, and means including a pedal for manually creating pressure through both of said means in the event of a failure of the vacuum, further characterized in that there is provided a reservoir associated with said cylinders, a connection between said reservoir and one ot said cylinders, a connection between said two cylinders, a pair of check valves one positioned in each of said connections. the one positioned in the ilrst connection closing in a direction to prevent the passage of iluid from said cylinder to the reservoir and the other positioned in the second connection closing in a direction to normally prevent passage of nuid from said second named cylinder to said first named cylinder.

7. In a system for operating brakes, a hydraulic fluid system, means comprising a hydraulic piston operated by vacuum and a cylinder for the vacuum operated piston for creating pressure on said uid, means including a hydraulic piston operated manually and a lhydraulic cylinder for the manually operated piston for creating pressure on said iluid, said last named means including a pedal arranged on its initial movement only to control said vacuum l operation 'and arranged during a latter portion of its movement to operate said manually operated piston, and means including said pedal for manually creating pressure through both of said means in the event oi' a failure of the vacuum, further characterized in that there is provided a reservoir for maintaining a reserve supply of uid, a connection between said reservoir and said cylinder of the manually operated piston, and means responsive to the operation of the vacuum means for cutting of! said connection.

8. In fluid braking apparatus, the combination of a cylinder, a piston therein, a reservoir, a second cylinder communicating with the first named cylinder when the piston thereof is in retracted position, a piston in said second cylinder, means forming a passage between the reservoir, and said second cylinder which is uncovered by'the piston therein when the piston is in retracted position, a lever having a fixed pivot and arranged to actuate the rst named piston, and means for operating said second piston to force fluid under pressure through the passage from the reservoir into the first named cylinder, said means being governed by means actuated by a portion of the lever which is farther removed from the lever pivot than the portion of said lever whose movement corresponds to the movement oi' the piston.

9. In a system for operating brakes, a fluid system, means comprising a piston operated by power and a cylinder for said piston for creating pressure on said fluid, means comprising a piston operated manually and a cylinder for said manually operated piston for creating pressure on said lluid,L and means comprising a pedal for manually creating pressure through both of said means in the event of a failure of the power, further characterized in that there is provided a connection by means of which said first cylinder communicates with said second named cylinder for applying pressure to said iluid, in that there is provided means whereby initial movement of the manually operated means makes said power operated means effective for taking up the slack and applying the brakes with a predetermined slight pressure, and in that there is provided a spring loaded check valve normally closing said connection against the passage of tluid from said second named cylinder to said rst named cylinder whereby pressure developed by said manual means does not react upon said power means.

l0. In a system for operating brakes, a fluid system, means comprising a piston operated by power and cylinder for the power operated piston for creating pressure on said fluid, means including a piston operated manually and a cylinder for the manually operated piston forl creating pressure on said uid, and means including a pedal for manually creating pressure through both of said means in the event of a failure of the power, further characterized in that there is provided a reservoir associated with said cylinders, a connection between said reservoir and one of said cylinders, a connection between said two cylinders, a pair of check valves one positioned in each of said connections, the one positioned in the nrst connection closing in a direction to prevent the passage of iluid from said cylinder to the reservoir and the other positioned in the second connection closing in a direction to normally prevent passage of iluid from said second named cylinder to said irst named cylinder.

11. In a system for operating brakes, a uid system, means comprising a piston operated by vacuum and a cylinder for the vacuum operated piston for creating pressure on said fluid, means including a piston operated manually and a cylinder for the manually operated piston for creating pressure on said iluid, said last named means including 'a pedal arranged on its initial movement only to control said vacuum operation and arranged during a latter portion of its movement to operate said manually operated piston, and means including said pedal for manually creating pressure through both of said means in the event of a failure of the power, further characterized in that there is provided a reservoir for maintaining a reserve supply of uid, a connection between said reservoirl and said cylinder of the manually operated piston, and means responsive to the operation of .the power means for cutting oft said connection.

12. In a system for operating brakes, a fluid system, means comprising a piston operated by power for creating pressure. on said fluid, means comprising a piston operated manually for creating pressure on said fluid. said last named means including a pedal arranged on its initial movement only to control said power operation and arranged during a latter portion of its movement to operate said manually operated piston, and means including said pedal for manually creating pressure through both of said means in the event of a failure of the power.

LUDGER E. LA BRIE. 

